Weaver Models NH I-4

I had recently purchased my first Weaver engine.  It's an RS1 without sound and conventional control.  It really runs great and I have no complaints about that.  There was a little paint flaking on the ends, and I just returned it to have it fixed.  A minor paint defect, but I want factory perfect on a new piece.  They sent me a bottle of touch up paint, and I was willing to do it myself.  The touch up paint was a gloss finish so I couldn't use it.  So they, without argument, authorized the return.  I'm still waiting for it to come back.  I wanted to buy American and also to just try a Weaver engine.  For the same money (pre-order pricing) you can get an MTH Railking Scale with sound and command.  The MTH will also have better detail and possibly smoke. The Weaver is assembled in America which means that the only American parts are the shell, paint and final assembly.  I'm simply just sick of buying made in china so I've pretty much stopped buying these products.  Overall I'm happy with it, but the totally made in China is a better deal (except for the American worker).

Do I regret getting it?  No.

Alan

I had recently purchased my first Weaver engine.  It's an RS1 without sound and conventional control.  It really runs great and I have no complaints about that. The MTH will also have better detail and possibly smoke.

Well this will depend on who you talk to.

• First of all, Weaver Never made an Rs1 but an RS3. There are differences to distinguish between the two models on the 1: as wellas the models.
• Note the Weaver Models has the correct rounded nose contour and details. The MTh Railking is too flat on the nose ends.
• I do agree with the electronics package in the Rs3 Railking you get a better deal. I wouldn't hold my breth on the smoke unless the Rs3 has Ps3. So the question comes down to, the weaver better details or the electronics?

The Railking (and Atlas O Trainman) RS3 also has a hoods that are too tall.

Rusty

I don't have an I-4.

I do have an I-5 with Lionel TMCC, Railsounds 4, and TAS EOB speed control. It has fan driven smoke, but it is not synchronized with the sound system and does not puff. 

Overall, I am happy with the I-5. I upgraded the speaker to a "Fat Boy" type to get better sound. However, Railsounds 4 is old and the I-4 is likely to have the same sound set. 

I find that brass engines tend to run noisier than diecast. This one does.

There were a couple of service issues that Weaver handled without a problem. Their service is first rate. 

I will be interested in hearing a review of the I-4. I am on the fence. Probably as much due to the price as anything else.

Weaver has come a long way in their brass steam engines and just having the ERR cruise will allow it to run smoother as even poorly designed or bad running models have improved dramatically by just installing the system.   Their earlier brass had pretty good detail, but often lacked the paint detail needed to make then fully accurate.  Now they are almost on par with 3rd Rail models so I don't think you can go wrong.  Although most of their models are made in the US as mentioned above, the brass steam engines are not.  They are made overseas.  Let us know what you decide.  Good luck!